Shattered Love Neptune bound

High-class mare Shattered Love is set to take on the boys in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

The daughter of Yeats impressed on her hurdling debut at Tipperary in October before finding the Willie Mullins-trained pair of Airlie Beach and Let's Dance too strong at Down Royal and Punchestown respectively.

Gordon Elliott's charge has since bolted up in a Listed race at Thurles and a Grade Three at Fairyhouse and while she has the option of taking on Airlie Beach and Let's Dance again in the Trull House Stud Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park, she is set to instead tackle the longer trip of the Neptune.

Elliott said: "Shattered Love might run in the Neptune, getting the mares' allowance.

"Her form isn't far off the best of the mares in Ireland. I just think the mares' novice race over two miles might be a bit short for her - they might take her off her feet early.

"Barra is probably going to go for the mares' novice. I don't think she's been getting home over two-two, so I'm hoping two miles on better ground will suit her.

"I'd say the mares' division in Ireland this year is very strong."

Discussing plans for some of his other novice hurdlers, the Cullentra trainer added: "Blood Crazed Tiger will run in the Neptune. I'd be surprised if he was good enough to win it, but he could finish in the first four or five.

"Brelade could run in the Neptune as well. I'd say he'll benefit from a step up in trip. I haven't ruled out the handicaps for him either, he could run in the Martin Pipe or the Coral Cup."